Tinubu commends governors’ forum for supporting tax reform bills

By Idris Temidayo

President Bola Tinubu on Friday praised the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for endorsing the four tax reform bills currently under review by the national assembly.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, Tinubu commended the governors for their leadership and dedication to fostering unity across regional, ethnic, and political divides, all aimed at advancing Nigeria’s development.

“Thursday’s productive consultation between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy exemplifies the cooperation needed between federal and state governments,” the statement reads.

The president specifically lauded Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, governor of Kwara and chairman of the NGF, for rallying his colleagues to support the tax reforms designed to rejuvenate the economy and improve Nigeria’s investment climate.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Progressive Governors Forum, the Northern Governors Forum, and other groups that facilitated the bipartisan resolution of concerns surrounding the bills.

President Tinubu emphasised that the tax reform bills are pro-poor, aiming to strengthen national interests, enhance the country’s economic competitiveness, and attract local and foreign investments. Updating outdated tax laws, he noted, is vital to achieving these goals.

He highlighted the importance of dialogue, citing the recent discussions between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy as a testament to the power of constructive engagement in resolving differences.

He encouraged stakeholders with suggestions for refining the bills to contribute to the legislative process at the national assembly and urged lawmakers to expedite the passage of these critical reforms so the nation can quickly benefit from their implementation.